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Winter in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area) brings about very tricky and blustery weather. Some people shy away from winter sessions because, well, it’s cold. But winter sessions make for some prime photo ops, so don’t write off the brisk weather months for photo shoots.

Keep tracking the weather. Those white winter days after a lot of snowfall can result in some of the most gorgeous photographs. Booking two months out probably won’t work, so you’ll instead want to book on a shorter notice.

Plan the day out so that nobody gets fussy or too cold. A bribe of hot chocolate after the session goes a long way. Also make sure that everyone’s dressed warmly.

Don’t be afraid to have fun in that snow. Snowball fights? Snowman building? Angels? The possibilities are endless and this should be all about having fun.

Choose colors and prints that pop. An all white background is absolutely beautiful, but having that pop of red or that flash of gingham can really make for a gorgeous photograph.

Pack the necessities. Noses tend to run in the cold, and glasses can fog up. Bring tissues, hand-warming packs, clean clothes and hot beverages to keep everyone perky throughout the shoot.

Because it can be really cold, note that a shorter session may be in order. Make the most of your photos by using every single second to the max, especially at the beginning of the session when everyone’s still warm and spirits are particularly high.

Bird’s Eye Photography is one of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia’s most sought after Wedding Photographers. There may be a laundry list of questions couples have while in the planning process and while selecting vendors. One of our most frequently asked questions prior to booking is: How long should I book my wedding photographer?

What do you want covered?

First, you need to decide what important details you want covered. Do you want a lot of getting ready shots prior to the ceremony? Do you want us to stay for the entire reception? These details will affect the length of time you will need us there. If you want us to stay until your reception exit, and you want a lot of candid, getting ready shots, you will need full day coverage. If you just want a few getting ready shots, that will knock off some time. If you want us to stay for just the main events in the reception and not until the last guest leaves, then this will also shorten the day. By deciding on a start and/or end time, this is the first step to booking your package.

Ceremony Length

Next, you need to think about the ceremony length. For a Catholic wedding, the ceremonies tend to be longer, so you will need to allot more time for that. If you want us to cover you getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception, I suggest 8-10 hours for Catholic weddings. If you have a shorter ceremony, you won’t need to take out as much time from your schedule.

Location Transfer

Now let’s talk about location. If you have a shorter ceremony and your reception is at the same venue as your ceremony, then you won’t need as much time because you can take out travel time. I would say something like this would be good for six to eight hours, depending on the formal photos.

On that same note, if your reception is at a different venue, you will need to include travel time into your schedule. Also incorporate the amount of time it takes to pack up all of your stuff to take to the reception. If you are going to take photos along the drive to the reception, more time will need to be added for that as well.

Formal Photo Requirements

For formal photos, you have to consider how many people are in your bridal party, and how many people are going to be in your family photos. If you have a small bridal party and a small number of family members having photos done, (and you’re at the same location the whole time), then six hours will suffice. If you have a larger family or bridal party, you will need closer to seven or maximum eight hours for offsite photos.

Special Exit

If you’re doing a special exit from the reception, like a sparkler exit, you’ll need to have full day coverage.

Some weddings can be covered in just four hours. If you’re having a backyard wedding or a courthouse wedding where your reception is short (for example, no dancing, etc.) and maybe just like a sit down dinner at a restaurant, then this could all be covered in four hours’ time.

Whatever you decide, Bird’s Eye Photography is able to accommodate you and make sure your special day is covered exquisitely and professionally!

So, here are a few simple tips to ensure that your day is stress free and flawless for your spring session.

1. Wear layers. Spring can be finicky in the sense that you can go from frigid to over heated in a matter of minutes. We suggest wearing layers — tank top, tee shirt, cardigan, scarf, etc. That way each family member can peel off, or add, a layer as they see fit and remain comfortable throughout the session.

2. Location is a big deal. This is a great time to full take advantage of the fresh, warm air and beautiful budding trees and flowers. If you have any favorite locations in the Maryland, Washington D.C. or Virginia area, let us know. We have a nice list on hand, ourselves.

3. Play into the colors of the season when choosing your family’s outfits. Fresh pops of green, blue, pink and yellow are always a hit in the springtime. We recommend choosing a color theme for the whole gang, then slightly deviating from that with accessories to keep things interesting.

4. Speaking of accessories: wear them! Choose jewelry, scarves, or prints that play into the spring theme. Butterflies, flowers, insects, etc, can make for some super adorable family pictures.

5. Time it right. Book a session too early and you may miss out on those spring buds. Book too late and you’ve already wandered into summer’s territory. Keep an eye on the weather and give your photographer a call when the time is right.

6. Incorporate props. Spring offers some beautiful backdrops where props blend in perfectly. For example, old wooden chairs look stunning in a sea of blooming rose bushes, and a quilted blanket is lovely on the fresh, green grass.

7. Really think about your footwear. Spring can often mean a soggy ground, so flip-flops or heels are not the best choice. Instead, wear something that’s comfortable and spring appropriate, like loafers, flats or boots.

I had the pleasure of working with Kierra “Kiki” Sheard and the Eleven60 girls to capture their Pop-Up Shop at the Donovan Hotel in Washington, D.C. This was a five city tour to promote her clothing line for plus-sized women. Kierra is an amazingly sweet person, so fun and down to earth. It was such a pleasure working with someone who is so relatable, kind and appreciative. This is definitely one of the reasons I don’t consider my job work. Supporting and promoting independent artists and business owners is so rewarding! I love my clients!

It’s always a pleasure working with such hi-engergy and passionate singers. Stellar nominated group, Charles Butler and Trinity are local DMV gospel artists with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with and supporting on several occasions. It is always a wonderful time working with the very humble and hilarious Charles Butler, Jr. His group is filled with equally amazing and powerful singers. The show was phenomenal and a first in selling out a gospel show at The Howard Theater in Washington, D.C. Artists also included Alvin Campbell, Jeremiah Hicks and Tye Tribbett.

This was definitely an extremely high-energy show and a night to be remembered. Click here for the Video.

Flashback post: March 2014. This was my first time visiting the new Anacostia Arts Center in S.E., D.C. I came to capture some videos and photos of the event for my good friend “Mr. Briggs”. I ended up meeting several great people that night, whom I still keep in contact with and have developed great partnerships with. This was my second time hearing several of the “queens” that night (i.e., Tamika Love Jones & Violet Marley), but a first hearing Maimouna Youssef. I was intrigued by her delivery, vocals and lyrics; particularly her cover for Lorde’s “Royals.” Her version is re-entitled “We’re Already Royal” (Check out the video)! What an empowering woman, great singer, writer, and lyricist.

I love doing meaningful work! I rarely consider photography “work”, but occasionally it requires long hours, lots of sweat, patience and stamina. I love events that don’t feel like a “job”, and this was another one! The Ward 8 Arts and Culture Council sponsors many cultural events in Washington, D.C. in an effort to promote cultural awareness through the arts. On this particular Wednesday, we were able to explore the works of a family of local artists and create masterpieces of our own. All of the events are kid and family-friendly. So art and water it was; no wine. Gateway DC features movies, live music, vendors, food, art and fun for the community. It’s always great to work with and around great people who are just as passionate about what they do as I am.

I had the pleasure of attending one of Jason Lanier’s workshops in Gettysburg, PA in May of 2014. I was able to meet a great group of photographers in addition to the phenomenal Jason Lanier. Here are some of the images from the historical Gettysburg battlefield with a couple of Civil War re-enactors.

I LOVE live music and enjoy capturing the passion of this art in my photographs. I love working with independent artists and introducing myself to new sounds and underground talent. For Father’s Day, a few local D.C. artists gave tribute to fathers/ “kings” and brought down the house!

That night, I had the pleasure of capturing photos and video of the soulful sounds of Violet Marley, Andaiye, Tamika Love Jones, Ayanna Gregory and Afi Soul. These women have amazing talent and gracious personalities. It was a pleasure to be in great company and enjoy great music!

I was honored to be one of two official photographers hired to cover the Inspiration & Music Conference in Philly this weekend. This was one of the most inspiring, encouraging and all around awesome experiences of my career. I met soooo many wonderful people and had so many intriguing and hilarious conversations. I’ve never worked so hard and had so much fun at the same time.

I was able to experience two live radio broadcasts, awesome workshops, live concerts, and so much more. It was great to be surrounded by such talented people, who backstage were such… ordinary people. It was an interesting perspective behind the scenes of such an eventful weekend. Definitely memorable!